Sony Music Entertainment has launched Fatal Fantasy, a new true crime series examining how a live action role playing game became linked to a brutal murder in the United States.
The podcast revisits the killing of Dr. Robert Schwartz, who was found stabbed to death inside his Virginia home just weeks before Christmas 2001.
Detectives initially uncovered what appeared to be signs of witchcraft or a satanic cult at the scene.
As the investigation developed, attention turned instead to a group of young adults involved in a live action role playing game known as The Underworld, described as a dark fantasy created by an unexpected figure.
The series is hosted by investigative journalist and author M. William Phelps, who has written close to 50 true crime books.
Through interviews with investigators, friends of the victim and the convicted killer, Phelps examines how the game escalated from make believe into manipulation, violence and ultimately murder.
He said: “What makes this series vitally relevant today is its fundamental look into what is a common question within true crime: Where does mental illness and psychopathy intersect when we talk about murder?
“This is a cautionary tale, yes, absolutely, exposing what happens when fantasy becomes reality and turns deadly, but also an intricate look inside the mind of a killer, from their own perspective.”
All episodes are available immediately for subscribers to The Binge.
Fatal Fantasy can also be accessed on major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher.
